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U.S. Air Force deploys reconnaissance aircraft Monday

Posted April. 17, 2019 07:58,   

Updated April. 17, 2019 07:58

한국어

The U.S. Air Force reportedly deployed a reconnaissance aircraft, known as RC-135S Cobra Ball, that specializes in tracking ballistic missiles in the west coast of the Korean Peninsula on Monday. It is interpreted as a sign that the Trump administration would not loosen its guard though it has stressed the possibility of holding a third summit with North Korea.

The reconnaissance aircraft, which departed from the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on Monday morning, flew to the west coast to conduct missions for around five hours, according to military sources Tuesday. The missions were apparently focused on identifying developments near the North’s missile facilities such as the Dongchang-ri site, which is thought to have been restored last month. After activities at the Dongchang-ri site and Sanum-dong facilities were detected, the U.S. Air Force last month deployed the RC-135S Cobra Ball to the Kadena Air Base from the Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska.

The U.S. Air Force possesses three Cobra Ball aircrafts, which are equipped with infrared ray sensors, advanced optical and electronics devices, and recording and communications equipment to detect missiles and carry out ground surveillance.


Sang-Ho Yun ysh1005@donga.com